Giles in Doubt for Indian Tour

Ashley Giles’ long-term hip injury, which forced him home from England’s tour of Pakistan late last year, is continuing to cause him problems, and places him in doubt for England’s tour of India in February/March.

Giles hasn’t yet been able to return to the bowling crease, and with England leaving for India on February 12, it is causing crave concerns to the selectors with England’s spin bowling ranks very thin.

There is speculation that if Giles is ruled out of the tour, Somerset player Ian Blackwell will be named in his place. There is however another one more place to be named in the squad so if Giles is proved unfit then the England selection panel may choose to take Monty Panesar from Northamptonshire along with Blackwell and Shaun Udal.

Giles will be seeking further treatment from a specialist within the next few days as a last ditch effort to try and get himself ready for the tour.